By Herald Malaysia
PENANG — Before the Church can be led well, its leaders must first learn to listen — to God, to one another and to those they serve.
That was the central message as members of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit gathered for a morning of recollection on July 18, led by parish priest, Fr Raymond Raj.
The day began with praise and worship, followed by an opening prayer that invited members to set aside the busyness of parish life and enter into a spirit of reflection.
Fr Raymond reminded the council that recollection is not simply a break from ministry but an opportunity to return to its source. He encouraged members to slow down, listen attentively to God’s voice and rediscover the deeper purpose behind their service.
As part of the reflection, members were invited to prayerfully consider two questions: Why did I choose to serve on the Parish Pastoral Council? and What continues to motivate me in this ministry?
Reflecting on Christian leadership, Fr Raymond contrasted it with the world’s understanding of leadership. While secular leadership often values qualifications, achievements and influence, Christian leadership begins with God’s call and a willingness to serve, even amid feelings of inadequacy or fear.
He reminded members that failure does not disqualify anyone from serving the Lord. What matters is faithfulness rather than worldly success, echoing the words of St Teresa of Calcutta: “God has not called me to be successful. He has called me to be faithful.”
Fr Raymond centred his reflection on three essential qualities of Christian leadership: humility, charity and listening.
Drawing on the teaching of St Augustine, he described humility as the foundation of every virtue. Service, he said, must never become a search for recognition or personal status but should always place God’s mission above self-interest. Ministry rooted in humility seeks to serve rather than to be seen.
Speaking on charity, Fr Raymond emphasised agape — selfless and unconditional love — as the heart of servant leadership. Christian leaders, he said, are called to place the needs of the community above personal ambition, empower rather than create dependence, stand in solidarity with the poor and marginalised, and uphold the dignity of every human person while promoting the common good.
He also stressed the importance of listening as an essential ministry. Genuine listening, he explained, does not mean agreeing with every request, but seeking first to understand before responding with wisdom and compassion. Quoting the familiar saying that “God gave us two ears and one mouth,” he encouraged members to listen more than they speak and to communicate with the gentleness of Christ.
Fr Raymond urged the PPC to continue working as one body, drawing inspiration from St Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 12. Every member brings different gifts, he said, but all share the same mission. Collaboration, mutual respect and unity remain essential as the Cathedral strives to fulfil its vision of Walking Together as a Synodal and Prophetic Church.
He also encouraged members to ground every important decision in prayerful discernment. Not every good idea, he noted, is necessarily God’s will. Referring to the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15, he highlighted the importance of seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit before making decisions that affect the life of the Church.
Recognising the demands of parish ministry, Fr Raymond also reminded members to care for their own spiritual well-being. Rest, he said, is not a luxury but a necessity. Citing Jesus’ invitation to His disciples to “come away by yourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile” (Mk 6:31), he encouraged members to spend regular time before the Blessed Sacrament to renew their strength and guard against spiritual burnout.
Concluding the first part of the recollection, Fr Raymond underscored that prayer must always precede ministry.
“We cannot give what we do not possess,” he reminded the council before inviting members to reflect on two final questions: What is my deepest motivation for serving? and Am I a bridge that builds unity or a wall that creates division?
Following a period of silent prayer, members were divided into small groups for a round-robin affirmation exercise, where each person expressed words of gratitude and encouragement to the others. The session strengthened mutual appreciation and reinforced the spirit of communion among the council members.
The morning concluded with the presentation of appreciation gifts, a group photograph and a closing prayer, sending participants forth, renewed in their commitment to serve the parish with humility, faithfulness and a spirit of synodality.
